SUTTER/BUTTE COUNTIES, CA (YSBC) - The CIF Northern Section released their postseason baseball brackets for Division II and III on May 8.

Live Oak and Gridley baseball both qualified for the postseason and played one another in a play-in game on Tuesday for bracket positioning.

The winner of the game was decided after print time and played against West Valley on Tuesday, while the loser will play the loser of Lassen/Yreka at West Valley on Tuesday, May 19 at 10 a.m.

The Bulldogs swept the season series against the Lions with victories of 9-3 and 5-2.

Live Oak senior Landon Epperson (2) tosses a pitch on April 17 during the Lions’ victory against Oroville. Photo by Steven Bryla

Gridley took care of business in the first game behind a strong-pitching performance by senior pitcher Tanner Abbott.

Abbott tossed six innings and struck out 14, including every single Live Oak hitter in the win on April 23.

The Bulldogs were led by senior Bikram Kullar and freshman Talan Sannar, who each had three hits and two runs-batted-in (RBIS) each.

Lions senior Farron Gomez got roughed up on the mound as he allowed eight-earned runs off 12 hits and walked seven in the loss.

Live Oak junior infielder Chase Ehrke (24) connects with the ball during the Lions’ win over Oroville on April 17. Photo by Steven Bryla

Live Oak’s hitting lineup was silenced by Abbott as senior Landon Epperson and junior Chase Ehrke mustered the two Lions hits in the loss.

Both squads hitting lineups were held in check on April 24 as Gridley senior Eli Punzo, Epperson and Lions senior pitcher Bradley Perigo combined for three-total hits allowed in the game.

Although it has been a couple weeks since these teams played, Live Oak finished the remainder of the regular season with a sweep against Corning but got swept by Orland last week.

The Bulldogs finished the regular season with a dominant sweep over Oroville and built positive momentum heading into the postseason.

The remainder of the postseason for baseball and all softball brackets were released after press time.

For more local sports, visit ysbcsports.com.